Year of Kindness and Gratitude- 4th Sunday of Advent

This week’s reflections are from Amanda Idleman, contributing writer for Crosswalk.com.

“The fourth Sunday of Advent we meditate on the peace that Jesus brings our hearts and our world.

This week we focus our hearts on the “Lord of peace” who came down from heaven in the form of a baby. God knows that we are in a constant battle against fear! Fear wants to cripple us, to push us to react rather than carefully respond, and fear steals our joy. God has given us the gift of peace so we can live joy-filled lives!

Over this Advent, pray that God’s unexplainable peace would be evident in your heart and home. This year we all have faced so much chaos and uncertainty. God’s peace is something we need to grab tightly onto more than ever. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time to joyfully await our King.

The fourth candle of Advent is called the “Angel Candle” and symbolizes peace. This name comes from the fact that the angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace (Luke 2:14). This week we are reminded that Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts and to our world!”

A Prayer for Peace for Our World

Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

“Lord, would you bring your strength and peace to your people! Would your presence be felt by all who seek you in a powerful way in this Advent season. Turn the hearts of mankind towards you. We pray that the lost turn to you and find an unshakable peace that nothing else in this world can offer. Amen”

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve parties, food and presents, take time to reflect on our gratitude for Jesus’ birth. Be thankful for this wonderful gift of God’s son.

Merry Christmas from the Connections Committee – we are grateful for each of you!